Elevated seat assembly and method

ABSTRACT

An elevated seat assembly for a toilet bowl has a stiff platform adapted to (a) rest atop said bowl, and (b) attach to the rear of the bowl. The assembly also has a compressible, raised seat that is releasably attached to the stiff platform. The raised seat has a flexible upper surface. The raised seat and platform can be installed together on the bowl. The raised seat can then be removed from the platform, leaving the platform installed on the bowl. In some cases the raised seat is horseshoe-shaped and its front to back orientation can be reversed before reinstalling it on the platform.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to raised toilet seats, and in particular,to seats that are easy to rise from.

2. Description of Related Art

Often, people with disabilities are not very mobile, tend to remain in afixed position and are therefore prone to pressure sores (bedsores ordecubitus). These individuals must carefully avoid having concentratedpressure applied to their skin in a way that might impair circulationand promote bedsores.

Also, Federal regulations under the Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA) specifies that compliant chairs have seats at an elevation of 17inches of (43 cm).

The elderly or people with handicaps can have difficulty usingconventional toilet seats because of their low elevation. People withweakened or impaired muscles or with paralysis will be unable to risefrom these standard seats without assistance. In addition, a toilet seatdesigned for use by a handicapped or disabled person must be stable. Inparticular, lateral shifting can add a new hazard of falling due to theshifting.

Persons paralyzed from the waist down (paraplegics, as well asquadriplegics) have limitations that complicate their use of a toilet.Often, normal bowel function is impaired and must be augmented by anenema or digital stimulation. In addition, a catheter may be necessaryto extract urine. Consequently, these persons will often remain on atoilet seat for a relatively long time, perhaps 20 to 60 minutes.

Paralyzed persons often have poor circulation and are thereforeespecially prone to pressure sores when they remain in the same seatedposition for even a relatively short time. Also, they will havedifficulty defending against pressure sores because they typicallycannot feel any of the pain normally caused by these sores. In somecases these pressure sores will lead to a more serious, deep tissueinjury.

While padded toilet seats are known, they provide poor cushioning andflatten with ordinary use.

Because toilet seats are easily soiled, keeping them clean is important.Cleaning a seat in place is difficult, but removing a seat for cleaningis difficult as well. One might periodically discard a toilet seat toavoid cleaning, but replacement is time-consuming and replacement costsbecome burdensome.

Toilet seats in public restrooms often have a horseshoe shape, that is,they are open in front. An open front is thought to be more hygienic andis required by the Uniform Plumbing Code, which is enforced in manyjurisdictions.

See U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,304,393; 2,980,922; 4,213,211; 4,477,932; and7,093,308; as well as US Patent Application Publication No.2009/0211004.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the illustrative embodiments demonstrating featuresand advantages of the present invention, there is provided an elevatedseat assembly for a toilet bowl with a front and rear. The assemblyincludes a stiff platform adapted to (a) rest atop the bowl, and (b)attach to the rear of the bowl. The assembly also includes acompressible, raised seat releasably attached to the stiff platform. Theraised seat has a flexible upper surface.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided amethod for raising the seating on a toilet bowl. The method employs astiff platform and one or more compressible, raised seats. The methodincludes the step of installing together on the bowl the platform and anoriginal one of the one or more raised seats. The method also includesthe step of removing the original one of the raised seats from theplatform, leaving the platform installed on the bowl.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, there isprovided a method for raising the seating on a toilet bowl. The methodemploys a stiff platform and at least one compressible, horseshoe-shapedraised seat. The method includes the step of installing together on thebowl the platform and the at least one raised seat. Another step isremoving from the platform the at least one raised seat, and reversingits front to back orientation before reinstalling it on the platform.

By employing the foregoing apparatus and methods, an improved toiletseat is achieved having a variety of advantages. In a disclosedembodiment a stiff platform can rest atop a toilet bowl. This platformhas a vertical backplate which is then attached to the rear deck of thebowl. Also, a lid is hinged to the upper edge of this backplate.

In this embodiment a compressible raised seat is releasably attached tothe underlying platform. This seat has a compressible foam core lyingatop a rigid panel, which are both encompassed by a flexible cover.Several fasteners in the form of internally threaded sleeves areattached to the rigid panel and project downwardly through the flexiblecover. These fasteners are inserted into matching holes in the platform,and then screwed in place. In some embodiments the seat is attached by adovetail joint or with Velcro™ material, and in the latter case a shortsidewall encircles the seat to avoid lateral shifting.

This raised seat is sufficiently thick to significantly elevate a seatedperson, and thereby make rising from the seat easier. Also, thecompressibility of the seat help avoid pressure points that can cause orexacerbate bedsores. In addition, the raised seat can be easily removedfrom the platform and then either discarded and replaced (saving themain body) or cleaned and reinstalled.

In another embodiment, the platform can include sliding panels thatallow one to pull the seat outward before swinging it up, in order togive the user easy access to the bowl for urination.

In some embodiments the raised seat has a horseshoe shape. This seat canbe installed on the platform with a conventional orientation; that is,with the gap in the horseshoe shape in front (open front). This raisedseat is secured with fasteners laid in a symmetrical pattern that allowsa user to reverse the front to back orientation of the seat; that is,place the gap in the horseshoe shape in the back. This rear gapfacilitates manual access for providing extraordinary assistance, suchas an enema or digital stimulation to induce bowel movement. For thisembodiment the underlying platform can have a central opening with arearwardly extending corridor that complements the rearwardly orientedgap in the raised seat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above brief description as well as other objects, features andadvantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated byreference to the following detailed description of illustrativeembodiments in accordance with the present invention when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an elevated seat assembly showninstalled on a toilet bowl in accordance with principles of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded, elevational view of the assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the raised seat of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the platform and lid of FIG. 2 with the raisedseat removed;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary, sectional view showing means for fastening theraised seat to the platform of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary view showing means for fastening the raised seatto the platform in a manner different from that shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the platform of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a platform that is an alternative to that ofFIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an elevational view of a seat assembly that is an alternativeto those previously illustrated; and

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a seat assembly that is an alternative tothose previously illustrated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-5, toilet bowl 10 with an opening 12 is supportedon a pedestal 14. Bowl 10 has a rim 16 that merges with a rear deck 18,shown supporting toilet tank 20. Bowl 10 has a pair of well-known boltholes (not shown) in deck 18 in the space between bowl opening 12 andtoilet tank 20.

An elevated seat assembly has a compressible, raised seat 22 that ismounted atop a stiff platform 24. Seat 22 has an enhanced thickness of2.5 to 4 inches (6.3 to 10 cm), with the greatest thickness (10 cm)illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. It is advantageous to choose a thicknessthat brings the top of the seat 22 to an elevation of 17 inches (43 cm),in accordance with Federal ADA regulations, although other elevationsmay be desirable in certain circumstances.

Seat 22 has a conventional horseshoe-shaped plan with a gap 22A, but maybe a closed annulus in some embodiments. In any event, the outline ofseat 22 will be consistent with standard rim profiles, which typicallycome in standard or extended front to back lengths.

Platform 24 has an outline matching that of seat 22. In one embodiment,platform 24 was medium density fiberboard encased in a plastic laminate,although other materials can be used such as, high density fiberboard,wood, plastic, metal, or other stiff materials. An optional gasket 36with a matching outline is shown interposed between seat 22 and platform24. Gasket 36 can be made of neoprene, a natural or synthetic rubber, awax impregnated paper, or other fluid sealing means.

An optional, upright backplate 26 is attached to the rear edge ofplatform 24. Seat 22 is illustrated with the thicker version (10 cm),and backplate 26 will have a matching height. For embodiments having athinner seat version (e.g. 6.3 cm) backplate 26 will have acorrespondingly lower height.

Lid 28 is attached to the top edge of backplate 26 by means of hinge 30.Hinge 30 may be a piano hinge, cabinet hinge, or other types of hinges.Backplate 26 and lid 28 are typically made of the same material asplatform 24.

A pair of hinge fixtures 32 (only one being visible in FIG. 2) that areattached to backplate 26 have threaded shanks 32A that are insertedthrough the bolt holes (not shown) in deck 18 before being secured inplace with nuts 34. Any one of a variety of known fixtures for attachinga toilet seat to a bowl may be used as well.

Referring to FIG. 5, seat 22 is shown with a compressible core 22A madeof a polyurethane foam, synthetic or natural rubber, fibrous batting, orother compressible material. Core 22A is shown laying atop rigid panel22B, which may be made of medium or high density fiberboard, wood,plastic, metal, or other rigid materials. Fastener 36 is, in thisembodiment, an internally threaded sleeve having a flat head 36A withtangs 36B that are embedded in panel 22B to hold this threaded coupling36 in place.

The entire seat 22 is enclosed in a liquid-impermeable, flexible cover22C, which may be glued and stitched at its seams to prevent fluidintrusion into core 22A. Cover 22C may be made of natural or syntheticsheet material, knit fabric with a PVC coating, or otherliquid-impermeable materials.

Threaded coupling 38 protrudes through cover 22C, and will be sealed tothe cover by caulk, glue, or other means for preventing fluid intrusion.Coupling 38 is shown inserted through a hole in previously mentionedgasket 36 and into a countersunk through-hole 24A in previouslymentioned platform 24. (FIG. 4 shows a pattern of four holes 24A inplatform 24.) Screw 40 is shown threaded into coupling 38 to hold seat22 and gasket 36 firmly against platform 24. Accordingly, gasket 36 willprevent fluid intrusion between seat 22 and platform 24.

Once this seat assembly is installed as shown in FIG. 1, lid 28 can beplaced down over seat 22 in the usual fashion, or flipped up as shown inFIG. 1. With the lid 28 up, a person can sit on seat 22, whose uppersurface is at a relatively high position. Also seat 22 has a flexibleupper surface provided by cover 22C, which is in turn supported bycompressible core 22A.

The flexibility of cover 22A and the compressibility of core 22A providebeneficial support to the seated person. If this person is handicappedand relatively sedentary or immobile, bedsores can be a problem. Theflexibility and compressibility of seat 22 avoids applying concentratedpressure at the seated person's skin, so that the possibility ofbedsores is greatly reduced.

In addition, the relatively high elevation of seat 22 makes rising fromthe seat easier. This higher elevation places the seated person's centerof gravity higher and reduces the flexing at the knees. Therefore lesseffort is required to rise from seat 22, which can then be done withless or no assistance.

Fluid will not directly intrude into seat 22 because the seams of cover22C are glued or otherwise sealed. Also, cover 22C is sealed aroundfastener 38 to also prevent fluid intrusion. In addition, gasket 36 isan added precaution against fluid intrusion.

In any event, the outside of seat 22 may become soiled through normalusage. To ensure that seat 20 is adequately clean and hygienic, thisseat may be removed by lifting platform 24 so it pivots on hinge fixture32. Lifting platform 24 may only be feasible for the thinner seatversions. With the thicker versions, backplate 26 is relatively tall,will hit tank 21, and restrict rotation of platform 24. Assuming for nowthe thinner version, platform 24 can be lifted to an upright positionexposing the heads of screws 40. Screws 40 are then removed and seat 22can be lifted from platform 24.

In some cases seat 22 may be cleaned with detergent and with anantibacterial or antiseptic agent. The cleaning can be done at a sink,tub or other convenient location. In other cases seat 22 may berelatively inexpensive and simply discarded. In either case, theoriginal or replacement seat will be installed next. So for example,seat coupling 38 may be placed in registry with and inserted into holes24A. Thereafter, screws 40 will be threaded into couplings 38 to holdseat 22 in place.

In some embodiments the seat 22 may be covered with a disposable sheathwith a topology similar to pantyhose. Specifically the sheath will havea right and left leg, both closed at the toe, and designed to fit overthe right and left branch of seat 22. The “waist” of the sheath can beclosed with a drawstring or just tucked between seat 22 and backplate126. Holes may be made to accommodate fasteners 38. Alternatively, thesheath may simply be draped over seat 22 and tucked underneath to beclamped in place when the seat is attached with fasteners 38 and 40. Thesheath may be made of thin plastic or a fabric laminated with aliquid-impermeable coating.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, an alternate seat assembly has seat 122connecting to platform 124. Platform 124 is similar to the previouslymentioned platform (platform 24), and has the same backplate, identifiedas backplate 126. Unlike the prior platform, platform 124 eliminates thescrew holes (holes 24A) and replaces them with a parallel pair ofdovetail slots 124A. Slots 124A run from the front tips of the twobranches of platform 124 back approximately 85% of the way to backplate126, although other lengths are contemplated.

Seat 122 is similar to the previously mentioned seat (seat 22) and hasas before, a rigid panel 122B (corresponding to panel 22B of FIG. 2).Instead of the previously described threaded sleeve, the presentfastener is a pair of tails 138 (one visible in FIG. 6). Tails 138 areattached to panel 122B and form the male part of a dovetail joint. Tails138 are sized to fit in the dovetail grooves 124A in platform 124. Tails138 are about the same length as grooves 124A. Tails 138 are typicallyheld in place in groove 124A by friction, although in some embodimentsthe tails may be held by magnets, spring-biased detents, fastening pins,set screws, latches, etc.

Seat 122 can be removed for servicing or replacement, except now theseat can be removed simply by sliding it forward until tails 138 leavegrooves 124A. Thus, platform 124 need not be lifted, since there is nolonger any need to access screw heads on the underside of the platform.This is a significant advantage for versions where seat 122 has asubstantial thickness (e g. 10 cm) and interferes with swinging theplatform 124 up on its hinges.

Referring to FIG. 8, an alternative seat assembly uses a platform 224with the same outline and general construction as the other platforms.As before, upright backplate 226 is attached to the rear edge ofplatform 224. However, the previously described fasteners are replacedin this case by hook and loop fasteners (e.g. Velcro™ material).Specifically, rectangular Velcro strips 242A, 242B, and 242C are placedat the right, left, and rear sections, respectively, of platform 224. Aseat (not shown) similar to that previously described will be mountedatop platform 224.

It will be understood that the previously mentioned fasteners on theseat (fasteners 38 and 138) are replaced with Velcro strips in amatching pattern on the underside of the seat. The seat strips can behook material to mate with loop material on the platform, or vice versa.

In order to provide additional stability, the border of platform 224 hasan upright, curved sidewall 244 extending from one side of backplate226, along the periphery of platform 224, to the other side of backplate226. Sidewall 244 has a height that is about one third the height of theencompassed seat, although different heights are contemplated for thesidewall.

The seat can be removed for servicing or replacement, simply by pullingupward to release the Velcro fastening strips. Thus, platform 224 neednot be swung upright, since there is no longer any need to access screwheads on the underside of the platform.

Referring to FIG. 9, the illustrated seat assembly uses a platform 324,backplate 326, and lid 328, substantially as shown in FIGS. 1-5 (i.e.,platform 24, backplate 26, and lid 28). As before, backplate 326 isconnected with a hinge fixture 332 to the deck of the bowl. Seat 322 isalso substantially the same, but is bolted not to the platform 324, butto top panel 346. Panel 346 is connected by hinge 350 to intermediatepanel 348. Panels 346 and 348 have basically the same outline as bottompanel 324 (panels 324, 346, and 348 are together referred to as aplatform).

Intermediate panel 348 is mounted to slide relative to panel 324.Specifically, a right and left pair of glides 352 (one shown in FIG. 9)are mounted in parallel between panels 348 and 324. Glides 352 employstructure well-known for mounting drawers. In particular, glides 352each have an upper runner 352A attached to the underside of panel 348 onits right and left branches. Each upper runner 352A slides in arespective lower track 352B. The lower tracks are mounted atop panel 324on its right and left branches.

With this arrangement, intermediate panel 348 can slide outwardly overpanel 324 to the position shown in FIG. 9. This brings hinge 350sufficiently far away from backplate 326 to allow panel 346 and seat 322to swing upwardly as shown. This position allows access to the interiorof the bowl, and also to bolts on the underside of panel 346 involved inattaching or detaching seat 322.

Seat 322 and panel 346 can be swung down to rest on intermediate panel348, at which time all of them can be slid backwardly along glides 352for normal use. Glides 352 can have well-known detents for keeping seat322 in the retracted position. Alternatively, panel 348 can be locked inthe normal retracted position using magnets, spring-biased detents,fastening pins, set screws, latches, etc.

Referring to FIG. 10, the illustrated seat assembly has a platform 424.Components of this seat assembly corresponding to those shown in FIG. 4,have the same reference numerals but increased by 400. Again, platform424 is attached to backplate 426. Lid 428 is attached through hinge 430to the upper edge of backplate 426.

Fastener holes 424A are laid in the same pattern as shown previously inFIG. 4. In fact, the raised seat of FIG. 3 can be installed on platform424 with the same orientation (i.e., gap 22E in front).

In FIG. 10 raised seat 422 is illustrated in phantom and is the same asthe previously illustrated seat (seat 22 of FIGS. 1-5). However in thiscase, seat 422 is installed with its front to back orientation reversedrelative to that shown in FIG. 1. Specifically, gap 422E is placed inthe rear, adjacent to backplate 426.

Platform 424 has between its right and left branches a central opening424B with a rear corridor 424C in substantial registry with seat gap422E. Corridor 424C leaves a narrow bridge 424D between the right andleft branches of platform 424, although in some embodiments corridor424C extends fully and cleaves platform 424 into two separate branches.

Platform 424 can be installed on a toilet bowl as before. Furthermore,seat 422 can be installed as shown in FIG. 1, that is, with gap 422E infront. Thus, the arrangement of FIG. 10 can be used in the same manneras previously described in connection with FIGS. 1-5.

However, the arrangement of FIG. 10 offers the option of removing seat422 and reinstalling it with a reversed orientation, that is, with gap422E in the back. This reversed orientation, together with the rearcorridor 424C, provides additional manual access. In particular one canuse this additional access for administering an enema or applyingdigital stimulation to induce bowel movement. Accordingly, the front torear orientation can be a quickly changed to accommodate differentusers.

It is appreciated that various modifications may be implemented withrespect to the above described embodiments. While the seat was shownfastened by screws, dovetail joints, or hook and loop fasteners, inother embodiments the fastening can be performed by magnets, snaps,adhesives, etc. The foregoing toilet had a tank but the disclosed seatassembly can be used for toilets without a tank or with a tank locateddifferently. The disclosed platform was connected to the bowl by a hingefixture, but in some cases the hinge feature can be eliminated. In othercases the hinge fixture can be replaced with a quick release latch toallow switching from one seat assembly to another having a differentsize or to a standard seat. Furthermore, the support provided by thesefixtures can be supplemented by providing under the platform a skirt orstubs that bear against the inside of the rim of the bowl. The disclosedbackplate can be a solid panel or a frame composed of a number ofdistinct bars or struts.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present inventionare possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to beunderstood that within the scope of the appended claims, the inventionmay be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

1. An elevated seat assembly for a toilet bowl with a front and rear,said seat assembly comprising a stiff platform adapted to (a) rest atopsaid bowl, and (b) attach to the rear of said bowl; and a compressible,raised seat releasably attached to said stiff platform, said raised seathaving a flexible upper surface.
 2. An elevated seat assembly accordingto claim 1 wherein said raised seat has a thickness exceeding 3 inches.3. An elevated seat assembly according to claim 1 wherein said raisedseat has a foam core and a flexible cover.
 4. An elevated seat assemblyaccording to claim 1 wherein said raised seat comprises: a compressiblecore; a rigid panel mounted under said compressible core; and a flexiblecover encompassing said core and panel.
 5. An elevated seat assemblyaccording to claim 4 wherein said raised seat comprises: a fastener forfastening together said rigid panel and said platform.
 6. An elevatedseat assembly according to claim 5 wherein said fastener comprises athreaded coupling affixed to said rigid panel and extending into saidplatform.
 7. An elevated seat assembly according to claim 1 wherein saidplatform has a rear edge, said seat assembly comprising: a backplatemounted upright at the rear edge of said platform.
 8. An elevated seatassembly according to claim 7 wherein said backplate has a top edge,said seat assembly comprising: a lid pivotally mounted at the top edgeof said backplate.
 9. An elevated seat assembly according to claim 1comprising: a hinge connecting said platform to said bowl.
 10. Anelevated seat assembly according to claim 1 wherein said platform has asidewall encompassing said raised seat on its outside, said raised seatextending higher than said sidewall.
 11. An elevated seat assemblyaccording to claim 2 wherein said raised seat has an upper surface at anelevation of about 17 inches.
 12. An elevated seat assembly according toclaim 1 comprising: a disposable sheath for temporarily encompassingsaid raised seat above and below.
 13. An elevated seat assemblyaccording to claim 1 wherein said raised seat is releasably attached tosaid platform by either one of a dovetail joint or snap joint.
 14. Anelevated seat assembly according to claim 1 wherein said platformcomprises: a bottom panel resting atop said bowl; an intermediate panelslidably mounted on said bottom panel; and a top panel hingedlyconnected to said intermediate panel, said raised seat being releasablyattached to said top panel.
 15. An elevated seat assembly according toclaim 1 wherein said raised seat is releasably attached to said platformby either one of a dovetail joint or snap joint.
 16. An elevated seatassembly according to claim 1 wherein said raised seat is releasablyattached to said platform by either one of a dovetail joint or snapjoint.
 17. An elevated seat assembly according to claim 1 wherein saidraised seat is horseshoe-shaped, has a gap, and is adapted to be mountedon said platform with said gap located at the rear of said bowl.
 18. Anelevated seat assembly according to claim 1 wherein said raised seat ishorseshoe-shaped, has a gap, and is adapted to be reversibly mounted onsaid platform with said gap located either at the rear or the front ofsaid bowl.
 19. An elevated seat assembly according to claim 18 whereinsaid platform has a rear edge, said seat assembly comprising: abackplate mounted upright at the rear edge of said platform.
 20. Anelevated seat assembly according to claim 19 wherein said raised seatcomprises: a compressible core; a rigid panel mounted under saidcompressible core; and a flexible cover encompassing said core andpanel.
 21. An elevated seat assembly according to claim 18 wherein saidplatform has a central opening with a rear corridor for enhancing manualaccess.
 22. A method for raising the seating on a toilet bowl andemploying a stiff platform and one or more compressible, raised seats,the method comprising the steps of: installing together on the bowl theplatform and an original one of the one or more raised seats; andremoving the original one of the raised seats from the platform, leavingthe platform installed on the bowl.
 23. A method according to claim 22comprising the step of: attaching to the platform a replacement one ofthe one or more raised seats.
 24. A method according to claim 22comprising the step of: cleaning the original one of the one or moreraised seats; and reattaching to the platform the original one of theone or more raised seats.
 25. A method for raising the seating on atoilet bowl and employing a stiff platform and at least onecompressible, horseshoe-shaped raised seat, the method comprising thesteps of: installing together on the bowl the platform and the at leastone raised seat; and removing from the platform the at least one raisedseat, and reversing its front to back orientation before reinstalling iton the platform.